Ellen Charlotte Tausk

The goodness in you brings out the goodness in others. That is the story of Ellen Charlotte Tausk, nee Rakowski, who died on Saturday, August 8th, 2020.  Ellen’s last moments were a symbol of everything that mattered most to her in life.  She was surrounded by love from her husband of 64 years, Ed Tausk, and her three beloved children. They all held her hand as she took her last precious breaths and went on to her new life with God. Ellen was born on September 15, 1934, to Anton and Peggy Rakowski. She grew up in Chicago along with her five brothers and sisters. She met Ed at work and they married shortly after that.  They have three children:  Teri (Chuck) Goudie, Ed Tausk, Jr. (fiancée Wendy Jurek), and Colleen (Steve) Gebavi.  Ellen was very much a part of her grandchildren’s life and helped raise all of them. They are Caylen (Joe) Bufalino, Brittany (Chase) Davidson, Chas (Julie) Goudie, Keegan Goudie, Grace Goudie, Austin Tausk, Danny Tausk, Carley Tausk, Kyle Gebavi, Braden Gebavi, Ethan Gebavi, and Garrett Gebavi.  Her great-grandchildren brought her incredible happiness in recent years. They are Henry Bufalino, Leo Bufalino, Brooks Davidson, Walker Davidson, and Claire Goudie.   Ellen is also survived by her sister Patricia Serritella and brother Tony Rakowski.  Ellen was known for making every person feel special.  Her home was always welcome to all and her kid’s friends were thought of as family.  She could strike up a conversation with anyone she met and make everyone feel like they had a special relationship with her.  She was very close to her faith and lived with an incredible zest for life. She did her first half marathon at the age of 75 and won first place in her age bracket. Family and friends will meet for a funeral mass at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 18th at St. Mary’s of Gostyn Church, 440 Prairie Avenue, Downers Grove, IL.  Interment will follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Wheaton. Her family asks everyone to wear bright colors as a way to honor Ellen’s joyful spirit. To carry on her mission of seeking and supporting goodness in others, her children have set up the Ellen Tausk Kindness Foundation.  Each year, the foundation will choose to help a family in need.  Donations can be sent to The Ellen Tausk Kindness Foundation, Chase Bank, 1 S. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL   60068.

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